Welcome

"What unites us is more important than what divides us."Welcome to the Lockport NY discussion blog. An idea grown out of the old LUSJ forums aimed at giving a permanent home to discussions on renewal, investment, growth and preservation toward creating a great place to live. Topics pertaining to the city and town of Lockport NY, headlines from the Lockport Journal/Buffalo News along with diverging views on them are welcomed and encouraged. If you have your own Lockport-centric blog, let me know. I'll happily link to it and participate. Want a topic addressed and opened for comment? Send me an email. -MJ

Calling for a new leadership style and new priorities for the city, 2nd Ward Alderman Jack L. Smith Jr., a Democrat, announced today he's running for mayor.

At the same time, Smith said he may file a lawsuit that attempts to overturn the Common Council redistricting plan that took away most of his current constituents and placed him in a revised ward with a Republican enrollment edge.

He and Smith, both first-term aldermen, have been together on the losing side of many 4-2 votes, opposing the preferences of Mayor Michael W. Tucker, the Republican incumbent who previously announced he's running for his third term.

Smith said if he becomes mayor, he would emphasize housing code enforcement and infrastructure issues.

Plans to restore the "Flight of Five" 19th century Erie Canal locks would go on the back burner, and the Council would be asked to consider cutting the Friday night concert series...

Also noted was Chapman's desire to run for Alderman at Large.

And as sad as it may be that I need to say it, I expect intelligent conversation here. If you want your comment to stay keep it to topics that pertain. Any juvenile trolling, name calling etc will be deleted as will any responses to it.

101
comments:

Anonymous
said...

Priorities stated by this candidate seem sound. We have put too much money in Wendel's pocket for engineering studies on the Flight of Five. Just because they donate generously to Republicans does not mean we have to make this poorly thought out project the cities top priority. We would not have parking for all of the 450K tourist Tuck predicts will show up. Get real, take care of the roads and clean up the neighborhoods. With energy going higher a walkable urban core now has a viable future. Time for change Tuch had his chance and he did not take us very far.

This feeling of entitlement that Mike Tucker and Joe Kibler have is pretty funny. Joe needs to hang it up..get a different hobby, or just volunteer. You shouldn't be attempting to govern anymore Joe.

The needs of the city go far beyond the opinions of your friends at the "coffee shop"

As far as Mike... he has been responsive in most cases I'll give him that much, but this Napoleonic heavy handed approach is getting old. Mike and a few others are no longer the solution to the problem, they are the problem. As far as Mike Pilot...? Give it up Mike..you don't have a chance.

There are people that are able to handle this city besides Tuck and Ulrich that show is getting old. What has Tucker really done for this city besides try to be a hardass and run everything by himself. Dont you people get tired of paing more for his vendettas against Hoffman and Paul Foster and so on and so on. Seriously his ego has become large enough. Can you imagine what he will do if elected again....God help us!

Term limits make sense. Two terms is enough. The city taxes us a great deal and gives us less every year. You know that privatizing trash collection is no bargain. Wonder if Mike's crews will go out and pick up all the trash that people dump in ditches, on back roads, etc. Nobody really thought that through. Lots of old refrigerators are going to start falling off trucks mostly late at night.

The idea of them running the city is scary. They were the ones who said theyd have only one term to be on the council so stuff wouldn't happen because they got into it too much. Now theyre running for higher office? I don't think its right that they say one thing then do another.The God thing is scary too. I'm all for God-but that church if theirs is pretty scary too. I dont wnt any church running the city on their idea of whats right and whats wrong.Is garbage a notral or venal sin?

The topic of term limits came up on the radio with Tucker not too long ago. He said the city has term limits...eluding to the voters decide how long someone is in office. Let's show him we've reached our limit. Smith for Mayor! Chapman for Alderman at Large!

What a joke Smith running for Mayor. A negative person that will only hurt Lockport. Atleast he will lose to Tucker and be out of politics like his buddy Chapman. If Chapman loves Lockport so much why won't he move his business to Lockport from Rochester?? Again he will lose to Kibler and he will be out of politics.

ya..let's keep it the way it is...hidden money deals, favoritism, dirty streets and neighborhoods,crumbling infrastructure..I'm putting my money on Smith and Chapman being around for awhile, time for Joe to hang it up he has no vision for the future. Mike Tucker is just trying to keep his job. You can hope all you want.... but there are a lot more people who want Mike Tucker to move on than you think. The "joke " you refer to will be on you...dream on "the times they are a changin"

Oh..we're suddenly concerned about politicians who change their mind? You people come on here and trash other people under the cover of anonymity. You sling mud about what other people do or say but you really have no meaningful agenda other than reducing the value of other people in an attempt to make YOU and your comrades look better.

You would think with all of the "geniuses" that live here and comment on this board that this city would be near perfect. Instead we have a bunch of Anonymous cry babies who do nothing but complain. You don't have to look far to realize why we have all of the problem we have. Just read the never ending diatribe of mindless babble by narrow minded under-achievers who know very little,and do nothing to help anyone other than themselves.

Wow Guy you sure sound like a negative name caller for someone who just posted about slinging mud on other peoples opinions. Maybe you should look in the mirror. Smith and Chapman are nothing but complainers who put nothing positive into the city government operations. Oh wait I am sure its Tucks fault though. How many times has anyone heard Smith open his mouth with something positive at a council meeting?? Exactly, he follows Chappy like a little puppy dog and does everything the holy-roller tells him to do. At least Tuck has a vision for the city's future, hell the city has a future thanks to his vision. Anyone remember the vacant for 20 years south block? I am all for Tuck to continue moving the city into a positive economic future.

Anonymous at 2:58AM asked why Smith did not move his business from Rochester to Lockport. Maybe that is the wrong question to ask--as it seems that the only people who move a business to Lockport are those who get a sweetheart deal from Tuck, little Georgie, and little Georgie's county legislators. Maybe the question should be why do business people need to make contributions to the decisionmakers to get a deal done in Lockport? Crony capitalism at it's most corrupt--Niagara County!

If people who want to live their lives morally and ethically are the enemy, then God help us all. Really! I think I would rather see people in office who actually fear God and want to do what's right for Lockport and it's citizens then people who are religious hypocrites and are involved in promiscuity and overindulgent drinking.

I'd agree with Joe.1. Don't lie.2. Fear God? THAT should be a candidate's primary focus? Is that why I hear a lot of stuff I going all the way back to when these guys ran for Council?3. If someone's idea to "Fear God," is to throw the baby out with the bathwater, I have a problem with that.Any City Official's primary focus should be on the betterment of the City and its residents. I would think that COULD be considered as having SOMETHING to do with God - but NOT to FEAR him.When I go to Mass I'm told God is a loving God - I prefer to think of the whole set up this way rather than live my life in fear.

EVERYONE who's posting nasty things, lies, personal attacks against anyone-including other posters, or is a candidate or their relative MUST use their real name. Otherwise you're going to stick us with a lot of jerks who sit in church every Sunday then go home and beat their wives. For those who haven't heard this expression-it's old and it refers to being a hypocrite.

I don't think it ever was said it's a primary focus, but when people are bashing others for being Christians or going to a certain church, that's really sad...I agree with Patti to stick to the issues. People in politics should be ethical and honest. I hate to see people get critized when trying to be true to the community and it's taxpayers.

I don't happen to be a religious nut and I believe God is a loving God also but I do recall reading a bible quote once that said: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." I personally feel that everyone will have to answer to God for what they've done in their lives. So I guess there should be a little fear there when you know you'll have to explain your actions one day to your maker.

"Now that Jack Smith is a candidate, will you still be deleting and posts that paint him in a negative light. As has been done in the past."

I delete posts that are off off topic, call names, or otherwise send the comment stream down to the high school or even grade school level.

It's ammusing to be told I am a Tucker supporter, or a Smith supporter or a " supporter". I am an idea supporter. I don;t take or make things personal. I'll support ideas I like and criticize those I do not. You can do the same.

Feel free to critique him. Just as you are free to critique me. Make a point or even two. But make school yard comments, even if valid points are contained within, and risk it being deleted. It's a rather simple system.

How about we vote FOR someone or something rather than against someone or something we think we know.I have no idea what these guys positions are other than that which was in the News and I have admitted I don't like the idea of throwing the Flight of Five out. Other than that - what do they think and what will they do?I think voting FOR something is a heck of a lot better than voting against anything.

What are Jack Smith's political views?? Oh yea whatever his wife,Phyllis Green, or Jean Keany tell him!! He is a puppet who has no back bone!! Tucker isnt the best mayor Lockport has ever seen but Smith is a joke and isnt smart enough to be mayor!! Just listen to him speak "You know" "You Know"!!!!

oh God you're so funny I can't stop laughing. I didn't know any of the mayors supporters knew how to use a computer......

You're comments are so embarrassing..is that the best you can come up with? I would hope Mike Tucker has more integrity than to send a "flame-thrower like you to represent him on this blog. Stop for a second and read you own post. You are laughable!

And if we're going to make it a contest about the proper use of the "Kings" English....I suggest to Mr. Tucker's henchmen that they stay away from that argument...It's a loser for their side.

As far as Jack Smith is concerned I anticipate that like most other candidates, he will present his platform. Then you can decide if you like what represents. That's what I'm looking for. A candidate who can show me that he can move this "ship" in a better direction. Let's see what he has to offer before you heap on the criticism over some petty, crony, crap.

I don't think Smith said to give up the Flight of Five... I could be wrong but what I understood him to say is that we have more important issues in this city right now that need tending to, like housing and infrastructure.

No one is saying give up the flight of Five..but what we have to start doing (as grow-ups) Is to prioritize. If given a choice between a failing water system, and restoring historical landmarks we have to deal with the immediate problems first. Infrastructure FIRST The flight is an important part of our local and national history. I don't believe Mr. Smith said to do away with it. Am I making sense?

Ask the Powers that be, Joe. I'm just a nobody who knows a lot about a lot of things. They insist I'm off my nut in order to provoke others into thinking I make things up out of whole cloth. Nothing could be further from the truth but, remember, this IS Lockport.

Well....I don't know Jack Smith personally but from what I've heard about him he's not going to do anything but try to improve on what we currently have. I'm hoping he wants to give the power back to the people who live in the City, and not just a few "power-brokers", relatives, and crony's like we currently have. I guess we'll see......

you are joking right? the same guy who first donated security cameras to the concerts, and then when he was elected decided that they were morally wrong because he's beholden to his church? or are you one of his church buddies who also thinks that there is a 'crisis' in lockport?

As for Chapman, although I did not, and do not agree with his Concert stance back then, there was nothing weird about it. He only had an objection when he looked into the history of the promoter and their past business ventures. Something he did not know until he got in office and as part of his job researched things. Which was after he had previously donated the cameras.

Even though some may not agree with his thoughts on what he found, what's the problem with how he researched them or the timeline?

in case the anons from the other thread come over here, i do have an honest question: let's play it's stump time!

without mentioning any other candidates, in your opinion what has smith done so far that you like, and what do you see him doing in the future if he becomes mayor? do you have any specifics, or just gut feelings?

A man that is interested in listening to what all of the people have to say about issues, not just a small group of political buddies, or contributors.

You get a man who rolls his sleeves up everyday and knows what an honest days work is all about, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty.

He believe that the current system of property valuation needs to be reviewed.There still seems to be some inequity built into the system that has to be changed.

An office holder who is not beholden to the "Political Machine" that dictates from Albany and Newfane.someone who doesn't need to rub elbows with the local party favorites in order to take care of business.

Smith understands that taxes are out of control and that the burden of assessment and taxation has been unfair.He understands that it will take discipline and hard work to deal with this issue.

Someone who understands and has worked at the grass roots level to try and rebuild his neighborhood, and is able to project that same "worst First" Philosophy to the rest of the cities housing, crime, and drug dealing problems.

A person who recognizes that the infrastructure of this city is past the Fail Safe point, and at the very least will be able to put together a plan to deal with it. Today, we have no plan.

A candidate who believe that "private" meetings aren't the best way to conduct the cities business. He's an advocate for open government, something we have never had.

He understands that one person can't make all of the important decisions for the City. He believes that the current approach that resembles a dictatorship is harmful to the progress of the city. Smith believes that the common council is like a "Board of Directors", not like a "King and his Court". A perfect example is the NEW trash collection program. He believe major changes require a public referendum in order to be fair.

He believes there is a vast untapped pool of talent willing to help make the city better. That talent and their ideas have been ignored in the past, because of petty and political differences. He will welcome diverse ideas and opinions. If your idea is the best, he'll use your idea.

He understands how to prioritize problems and deal with our biggest challenges first.He realizes that the Mayor's office is a Management position and the person who occupies the office is more than a "ribbon cutter" he/she is a business manager.Being a manager includes making the right personnel decisions that are in the best interest of the city, not to settle grudges, or personal squabbles.

Best of all he is capable of putting politics aside,and recognizes that Lockport can't survive by kicking the can down the road. Lockport not only needs a change in leadership, it needs an attitude adjustment. He believes that it will take strong leadership to get our ship sailing in the right direction. He believes that laser-sharp focus on the serious problems is key. Most important he believes in the city and it's people, and believes that we can accomplish what ever we set out to do if we work together.Jack Smith represents the future. we have to stop holding on to the past. He can move us forward.

ok, that's a good and fair answer, but i'm also looking for what he has done so far, and not just generic copy. it's easy to speak in generalities, while trying to paint the current administration in a bad light (and this goes for any candidate running any position), but none of the above actually lists his positions.

All politics are ran on generic platforms. All debates are an exchange of generalities. Wonder why so few get involved in the process?

I'd love to see a detailed plan(s) from any of the 4. If the City of Lockport is to move forward there needs to be some intelligent risks taken. This is not a town where the people in charge can be on autopilot as green space slowly builds up. The city cannot be ran on a suburban model and hope to ever grow again.

Are city budget out of control or is the portion each of us pay, (taxes)? The bigger problem is lack of reinvestment into the city which places more burden on those remaining. Taking off more bone will not necessarily help any besides making it a little cheaper for those here while they decide to remain. Is the current budget figure that out of line? What are any of the candidates' plans for creating an atmosphere of investment? I'm going out on the limb to say it will cost us more initially. Who would run on that platform when most of us just like to hear "I pledge to lower taxes", etc. It's a simple way to pander for votes but it will only continue our slow slide of disinvestment.

I've mentioned it elsewhere, the city charter sets us up as a strong-mayor system of governing with the council being a law making unit. The Mayor is supposed to be in charge of the employees and the council is supposed to make laws per our charter in NYS. We could choose other models but that would require a referendum by us. And why people insist the Mayor wrote the new garbage system when it was in fact a panel of volunteers with help from the county is beyond me.

I like Jack and he has always been a help in getting information, listening to ideas etc. The write up above while nice and maybe accurate, is just full of political generalities like a poor resume. The resumes that go to the top of the pile list actual numbers, accomplishments, concrete plans/goals etc. I'd love to see something concrete out of any of the 4 currently in the running.

If "ANONYMOUS 7"52 am" didn't just provide a stump speech then I've never heard one. If only it was true.As to things hes done in the past-all I see is a guy who sits with his back to his colleags, stares at the wall and says no when Andy tells him to. Thats not leadership. He has no experience in that and I'd like him to tell us if he has. Andy wont be on the council next year.

Sure Mr/Ms Nastyman...Over the past 2 years I have had the opportunity to sit in on several of these committee meetings you refer to and Jack Smith seems to be one of the few on that council that asks the intelligent questions and gives his opinion on things along with his input. He also conducts himself in a very professional manner. So now I guess I understand a little bit more about you. You're someone who either sits in on those meetings in the same capacity as he and wants to cause trouble(because he's not Tucker's puppet), or you're someone who gets fed some bs and runs with it...

If you think those alderman put together all those resolution themselves, you're sadly mistaken. Too often I've seen council members at meetings not understanding or even aware of what they sponsored and King Tuck has to explain it to the public for them.

I'm not Jack Smith but what I read above gives you a pretty good idea of the mans ideals.

If your expecting to find specificity your in the wrong place. I'm sure that Mr. Smith can and will get specif when the time is right.

Voters want to know if you're for cleaning up the housing, focused on a open government and so on. Preceding a primary I doubt if they want to see "sausage being made." The average voter isn't looking for minutia at this stage of the game.

How an elected official finally get's to the point where he is able to manage the city where taxes can be lowered isn't likely to be revealed on this blog at this moment.

The anonymous post above giving an opinion about Jack Smith was obviously not written by Jack Smith but possibly someone who supports him. So before you start criticizing it's content compare it to what we have running the city today.

The problem with this blog is; who wants to post anything when the first thing that happens is it's attacked by a few nameless critics.

The decisions (pertaining to laws) are made by the common council. Did Tucker push the idea and get it moving, sure. Aren't those the kind of leadership type decisions being brought up above? Having an idea an pushing to get it done? Why else have a Mayor?

Is any one running for the office going to run on the ideals of closed government, higher taxes, more housing blight, etc? No. So just stating the opposite does not say much.

Feel free to tell me you want to bake me the best cake, build me a great house etc but I still have nothing to base my decision on unless you show me a past body of work or in lieu of one, some recipes/drawings etc.

It's just an honest push for more than the usual generalities of politics. Tucker is the only one with a track record. One can run on the "I'm not Tucker" platform but it just results in a crap shoot until that person is in office and you see what they actually do to try to make good on all the generalities. Feel good generalities are probably good enough to win most of the voters but there are still some of us out there that would like to see some substance. We won't hold our breaths waiting.

so, in reference to the immediately above anons, smith's best quality is that he's not tucker? so is anyone in lockport who isn't tucker. that's a lot of words to say nothing. this is not an attack, nor should it be read is one.

Politics has been years and years of: we are unhappy with the last guy so lets plug in someone new just because they are different and say they are not like the old guy.

Just because no one else has done it in a long time does not mean we should not demand to see some of the "new" ideas a politician claims they will bring to the table. I'm always posting some ideas here. How hard would it be for a candidate to point us to links to new ideas from other municipalities like ours that were successful? Or at least speak about them.

This is not just for Smith, it is for any of the candidates. Also, you can go back 4 years for Tucker too. He's been reelected once.

anon(s), let's take tucker out of the equation, is all i'm saying. i'm not asking why someone shouldn't vote for tucker, i'm asking why someone should vote for smith? he's been in politics long enough that surely he's done something, said something, took an actual position on something, or championed something that you approve of.

Why not to vote for Smith -- He supposedly hasn't really been active on the council.- He has some ethics problems; Secret tapes (if not secret would have been ok to me), no comments from him on how much he will be paid by HV for being the local director of a company he enabled by voting for them, kept quiet on HV making a $940,000 profit on us plus not paying taxes, won't comment on how much the director of HV makes.- Supposedly doesn't make any decisions unless prodded by his wife or Chapman.

Why not to vote for Tucker -- Has acted as a dictator mismanaging the city work force resulting a numerous lawsuits all lost by the city.- Fired Hoffman supposedly for efficiency purposes but now is paying more money than before between Allens raises, outsourcing, his ass't's raise, extra foreman being added plus the work is not being performed well.- Supposedly there are issues with the GDLC. He did bring some jobs to canal st but at a large cost.- He backed the HV project too- Ethics problems too, especially in creating a special job for his son to remain employed.

Reasons to vote for Smith-- New blood- (others fill it in with facts)

Reasons to vote for Tucker- Has improved downtown- Has brought some jobs in-(others)

I think the main reason for electing someone is do they have ideas to bring jobs to the city.

I think the main goal should be to bring people to the city so they know about it and become curious,see positive changes etc. Next is then to get people to move to the city by making it easy/not as hard to find a return on their investment in a place they see potential in. Next is make it easy for them start a business in/move to the city.

Look at all the new businesses. They all have local connections. Most have started from scratch and grew. Just as you just don't pop out a 21yr old kid you do not just create new businesses. As seen with Yahoo/Verizon, playing the fishing game can get very expensive.

The creative class more often than not are drawn to the density and interaction of a denser area. These are the people you need to draw in. The city needs to create something that makes people invest themselves, feel a part of what is going on, and want to see the area grow.

You do not do that by making the cheapest budget. You do that by being creative yourself.

- "Supposedly doesn't make any decisions unless prodded by his wife or Chapman."

do you really think this staement is true? hopefully we won't start voting for people because of something we "heard". If that's the new "smell test" Then Pilott has a crossing guard with stories about the mayor he would like to introduce you to.

I remember Smith attempting to address housing last year. I think he took a lot flak about it from the other council members, but it seems the police chief was in favor of it. I searched at the LUS&J site, here's a link for one of the articles. Hope he tries it again.http://lockportjournal.com/local/x282174572/Tougher-nuisance-law-proposed-for-city

voting for a candidate because you think he/she is capable of bringing jobs to Lockport is a wasted vote. The socio-economic reality of our city is that "THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION HAS ENDED"

There will be an opportunity here and there but on a small scale. Niagara Produce is a prime example. The Yahoo Service Center was a "Fluke." So if you're looking for the manufacturing plant right around the corner I'm afraid that time in history has passed us by.

We can expect mostly minimum wage jobs, while getting a slight boost from the new Super Walmart, A new Pet Smart and a few other retail opportunities. High paying factory jobs? Doubt it. Delphi is the last of it's kind that you'll see around here.

Somewhere on this blog I stated something along the lines of: "Why do we have to vote AGAINST anyone or anything. Let's try voting FOR something or someone."

To me - all the Smith supporters are pitching the Jack party line of Tucker is worthless, a political crony, a mean s.o.b., etc. etc. I'm sick of it.

I've also stated that I "know" both men. Jack Smith has disappointed me in the past. SO WHAT?! Doesn't mean if I think he's the right guy for the job I won't vote for him!! I WILL!I'm acquainted with Mike Tucker. Do I LIKE him? Yes. Am I thrilled with everything he's done in the last 8 years? NO! He's disappointed me TOO! But if I think he should get another term I'LL VOTE FOR HIM!My ONLY "inside job" is on the Historic Preservation Commission and I'm pleased and proud to serve. (No pay BTW...) I'd do more if more is available & I do have to watch the stress. Nowhere am I looking for $$$$$. Do any of you know how many people serve this City because they love it? Not for any remuneration.

I'm going to need - & I think a lot of people fall into this category - to know more about what Jack intends to do if he's elected.The beautifully written c.v. above at "Anonymous 7/22/12 7:52 am" is as professional as it gets. Well done to the ad man who wrote it. I need to hear it from Jack - not his hired guns.

Jobs can come to Lockport with the right incentives. Look at all the businesses in the old Harrison Bldg. Look at Trek moving in. If it is made a priority jobs can come here.Why spend millions on restoring locks and creating a very few summer tourism jobs when you could spend those millions on creating real year long jobs?

I don't disagree with your comparison about our city's overrated tourism dreams, and I'm not against incentivising business to locate or relocate here. I am however a realist, and have limited expectations about this topic. I don't want medium or heavy industry here. As I've stated before we have water...businesses needs water. Water may be the reason a business/manufacturing renaissance could happen here in the future...but we're talking about the distant future.

With all of that said..I think Smith's challenge is to stop the exodus from the city by both business and people.

If you're asking question of the candidates you might want to ask Mayor Tucker to explain why people are leaving Lockport. I can tell you..it has nothing to do with jobs.

Re: Flight of Five: Most of the money is in hand-dedicated to the Flight. I recognize that it must be difficult to believe that the visitors will come - but THEY WILL COME!There are hundreds-more like thousands-who come to see our heritage. The popular things to do are Architectural and Historical tours. Baby boomers. Stay in the States and/or day trips close to home. The National Conference is in Buffalo this year and there's a day trip to Lockport! I'm not talking about "a few summer jobs." IF we continue to pursue the Flight of Five, that together with the ongoing work of the Historic Preservation Commission, which has made A LOT of progress in the past year, Lockport will sustain a lot more than "a few" jobs.

And, I agree - we have water - a lot of water. Fresh water.(Now if only my water bill would be cut, at least, in half.)

Please give me your estimate of how many and what jobs you think this would create. I see a few summer jobs as tourist guides, maybe some added hotel workers - but all jobs in the May-Sept timeframe, then unemplyment for them.

I am not against a project like this when we (we=tax payers everywhere, local, state and fed) have money to spend, I do love history too. I just think the money should have been (or should be) dedicated to increasing employment so we get more taxpayers to afford luxery projects like the locks!

thanks for the reminder above anon, the nuance law was a good idea, any increased focus on qol issues in lockport is a good thing, but the proposed law was just sloppy and ready for abuse. good idea, too bad it was just dropped and not refined.

to amom, all you need to do is drive downtown on a nice weekend afternoon, or past the canal cruises at almost any time in the summer to see the number of people here to see the canal and the locks. it may sound silly to you, as it's been in your back yard, but heck, look at what rebuilding the historical end of the locks has done in buffalo. or that people travel all over the world to see niagara falls, something that many locals have never went to visit even once.

besides, the only way tax money can be used to create jobs is by lowering the barriers for companies to start and to thrive. the only way a government can spend to get jobs is to make more people government employees.

of course numbers are hard to come by, because there's no 'check here if you came to lockport to visit the canal' box on your way into the city, but if we as a state are going to spend money to keep the canal open, we, as a state, should spend money to give people a reason to go to the canal. it's not about a direct number of jobs, but it's about increased visibility, and increased good feelings about the city that will make people want to come back and stay. i know it's all fuzzy math, but at the very least, it's something that lockport can do with tax money to have at least some positive impact on the city.

Yes tourists come here, I see it too. It's seems that no one has presented any hard revenue statistics to tell us how long they stay, how much they spend, or if they would ever raise their family here. If it's out there I'll go read it.

I am for the Flight of Five, and I am for the "resurrection" of the Train Station. Both will bring more tourism. Both will bring more interest to our city.

Ever hear of the "New Deal"?

What would you rather have: lower taxes for a new 'Ice Cream" shop on East Avenue that employs 3 people or 10,000 men and women working on the bridges in New York State?

What would you rather have: a high speed rail Project that employs 40,000 workers from 15 states, or a loan given to a local restaurant owner. The answer is WE NEED BOTH if it is done properly.

This paranoia about government is ideological BS. It stands in the way of real progress. It is standing in the way of REAL JOBS

What we don't need is hysteria over an imagined government take over, or the attitude that anything the "government" does constitutes Socialism. Government can successfully partner with private industry, and we can all benefit. Take politics out of the equation and see what you get.

this makes absolutely no sense - "besides, the only way tax money can be used to create jobs is by lowering the barriers for companies to start and to thrive. the only way a government can spend to get jobs is to make more people government employees."

Gee Luisa - I'm so sorry I don't look at this thing every 3 minutes to respond to your comment. Guess I'm not living up to your expectations.I've stated my opinion and did note, with alarm, that Jack wants to put the Flight of Five on "the back burner." I think those were the actual words he was credited with saying.There are MILLIONS already dedicated to the FofF. Can't use it for anything else so if Jack wins and has his say he'll be throwing away several million dollars. In addition to many thousands of Heritage visitors - all of whom will spend money HERE!How about you go stand on the Pine Street Bridge and listen to the people around you. You've got to make it an all day affair after which you will tell all of us the languages you hear, from whence these people come - WHY they're here, etc. That canal was one of the Wonders of the WORLD when it was built and remains a wonder of engineering and the hard work expended to blast and cut stone and dig!If we don't save it it won't be there for our children and grandchildren. Can you live with that legacy? Just to make a ridiculous political point to a populace which thinks THEY will get a break on their taxes if Jack doesn't continue all the work Mayor Tucker has done to save them?I KNOW I can't. I'll fight the "back burner" scenario 'til my last breath. Which might be tomorrow if you sic that woman on me again.

A man that is interested in listening to what all of the people have to say about issues, not just a small group of political buddies, or contributors.

You get a man who rolls up his sleeves everyday and knows what an honest days work is all about. Jack's not afraid to get his hands dirty.

He believes that the current system of property assessment needs to be reviewed.There still seems to be some inequity built into the system that must be changed.

Jack's a current office holder who is not beholden to the "Political Machine" that dictates from Albany and Newfane.Jack doesn't need to rub elbows with the local party favorites in order to take care of business.

Smith understands that taxes are out of control and that the burden of assessment and taxation has been unfair.He understands that it will take discipline and hard work to deal with this issue, and he's prepared to do what needs to be done to change the system for the betterment of all.

Jack is someone who understands and has worked at the grass roots level to try and rebuild his neighborhood, and is able to project that same "worst First" philosophy to the rest of the City's housing, crime, and drug dealing problems.

He is a person who recognizes that the infrastructure of this city has reached the "Fail Safe" point. Jack will present an action plan designed to start dealing with this huge problem as a WORST FIRST" priority. Today,our City has no plan.

Candidate Smith believes that "private" meetings aren't the best way to conduct the cities business. He's an advocate for open government, something we have never had, and something we desperately need.

He understands that one person can't make all of the important decisions for the City. He believes that the current approach that resembles a dictatorship is harmful to the progress of the city. Smith believes that the Common Council is like a "Board of Directors", not like a "King and his Court". A perfect example is the NEW trash collection program. He believes major changes require a public referendum to guarantee that every citizen is heard.

He believes there is a vast untapped pool of talent willing to help make the city better. That talent and their ideas have been ignored in the past, because of pettiness and political differences. He will welcome diverse ideas and opinions. If your idea is the best idea, Jack is not afraid to use your idea.

He understands how to prioritize problems and deal with our biggest challenges first.He realizes that the Mayor's office is a Management position and the person who occupies the office is more than a "ribbon cutter", he/she is a business manager.Being a manager includes making the right personnel decisions that are in the best interest of the city, not to settle grudges, or resolve personal in-fighting.

Best of all he is capable of putting politics aside,and recognizes that Lockport can't survive by kicking the can down the road. Lockport not only needs a change in leadership, it needs an attitude adjustment. He believes that it will take strong leadership to get our ship sailing in the right direction. He believes that a laser-sharp focus on our most serious problems is key. Most important he believes in the city and it's people, and believes that we can accomplish what ever we set out to do if we work together.Jack Smith represents the future. we have to stop holding on to the past. He can move us forward.

1) any politician is wise to stay away from anonymous flamers on blogs. jack was here for a while. I told him I was surprised but he spoke to smart criticism etc. It was when those with no knowledge on how to converse came along that he left. I don;t blame him or anyone else. It's a lose-lose proposition.

2) There is actually conversation above. I had to clean up a few comments above though.

3) Jack supporters should know about dedicated money. Be it for low income housing or restoring on of the greatest engineering achievements of the 19th century located in the heart of our downtown. look at the vehicle plates on the bridge at any time. Its an amazing cross section of the Us and Canada. We are 25 minutes from the millions of people who visit the falls. Shame on us for not making the most of it. It is a site of state and national importance and funding should come from all levels of government. Functioning modern and historical locks right next to each other would be a one of a kind destination. What we offer once tourists get here to grab more of their dollars is up to us.

4) Even Harrison started as a small business. We can blow millions at a time trying to locate something huge here or can make it a place that's fertile for new small businesses that someday could grow into something big. Spread the odds of survival and keep dollars/profits here instead of off to some other location. While it may e nice to buy a full grown tree, for the same price we could plant many smalls ones and be stronger for it down the road.

5) The "local" HV that keep getting thrown around was a local not-for-profit that gets established to show local support, work on funding, local promotion, keeping a second eye on the etc. I believe it gets something like 0.5% of rental income profit which I believe is super small to begin with. More small things being made into big things.

I think it's important to note that Smith is still not satisfied with the unfairness in the "Garbage" program. Some people get to make size choices other do not. The other council members seem to be willing to sign on to just about anything. Let's see here, Richelle Pasceri owns a "double", and doubles get to choose sizes. I own a home and if I want more than one,they have to be 96 gallon?

I believe it was to keep things simple. I guess I see no harm in increasing the choices for those looking to move beyond a single tote at their single residence. Overall thought I don't see it as a huge sticking point. The law could be updated later if there was a large demand for a large tote and then an additional small one.

As for the snowbirds, I say too bad. No need to complicate when and when not a tote at a certain residence will be picked up.

If you haven't spoken with Jack Smith about the trash issue I suggest you do. His NO vote has merit, and makes a lot of sense, and it has a lot to do with the issue rather than Container size, and micro chips. It has to do with the dysfunctional group that currently runs the City. They can't get their act together. They make bad decisions, and want to put laws on the books first, and figure out what they mean later.

Why? so that the Mayor can brag about being the Man who brought recycling to Lockport? Right now the program and the Mayor have very few bragging rights connected with this trash program.

Smith is not just against issues because he likes to vote NO. He has reasons; good reasons.

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